This is nothing but rumor and speculation, for the most part, gathered from a couple of different sites. That doesn't make it any less interesting or fun to talk about, especially since it's about a hotly anticipated project.

The project in question is X-Men: First Class, which will be directed by Matthew Vaughn (Stardust, Layer Cake). The story will be an origin tale of sorts that covers the early days of Charles Xavier, Magneto, and the first X-Men team (composed of Cyclops, Iceman, Angel, Beast, and Jean Grey). So far, the only confirmed casting news is that James McAvoy (Wanted) will play Xavier/Professor X. Now for the rumor part:

First, Showbiz 411 is claiming that Michael Fassbender (Inglourious Basterds, 300) is being sought by Fox Studios to play Magneto in the film, which is making the geeks of the web all quivery. I have to agree (assuming the rumor isn't bullshit) -- he's an excellent actor, is German (as is Magneto), and could certainly look the part of a young Erik Lehnsherr. Interestingly, there are two comic book-related rumors regarding Fassbender -- the other being that he's being courted to play the so far unnamed villain in the Spider-Man reboot to be directed by Marc Webb ((500) Days of Summer).

The other bit of news about X-Men: First Class, which comes from Forces of Geek, is also pretty intriguing. Rosamund Pike (An Education, Die Another Day) is allegedly in talks to portray Emma Frost, aka The White Queen. Again, she certainly has the right look, although Pike, at 31, is a bit older than the teenage years the film is supposedly going to depict. Then again, it's hardly the first time an actor would play someone much younger than they really are. Frost, for those not in the know, is known for being a sexily-attired mutant telepath who, as an eventual member of The Hellfire Club, was one of the X-Men's most formidable enemies. Of course, it's also comic books we're talking about, so that means that she was also one of their staunchest allies at some points, even leading the X-Men at times.

Anyway, that's what's spinning around the rumor mill right now. Personally, I like both possibilities, but we'll have to wait and see if they come to fruition.